Best Things to do in NYC

Friends often ask us what they should do while visiting NYC. There are tons of “things to do in NYC” lists, so this list is for those that constantly ask for our opinion. The truth is, there are an unlimited number of things you can do in the greatest city in the world. Much depends on your time, budget and travel preferences. Start searching for flights to New York, because we have provided you with a huge checklist of things to do!

NYC Travel - NYC at Night

Be a Tourist in NYC

Our list is for the NYC tourist. It’s for those that don’t have much time, but want to see some of the greatest attractions or iconic travel photos.

NYC is best explored by walking around the different neighborhoods, but beware, it’s very cold in winter. Be sure to ride the subway and hail a cab ride. Purchase a metro card in the subway, which can be used both on the bus and in the subway.

List of Best Things To Do in NYC

Iconic NYC

Top of the Empire State Building

Top of the Rock Observation Deck at the Rockefeller Center – less crowded, great views of Central Park

Rockefeller Center

Brooklyn Bridge – walk it!

Times Square – best at night and now even better with pedestrian only streets

Little Italy – enjoy strolling through the neighborhood and grab a pastry, but don’t eat the overpriced touristy food

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Grand Central Terminal

West Village – walk this classic NYC neighborhood with old brownstones

Ground Zero

Stroll Soho – grab a seat at an outdoor cafe

NYC Travel - The Brooklyn Bridge

Eating in NYC

With restaurants, bars and clubs changing so rapidly in NYC, we avoided adding much to this section.

Great list. Definitely agree that the High Line is NY’s most creative park – I love hanging around that area — Chelsea Market is also nice to walk through (right by the High Line) — I always end up staring at the glass window bakery operation and watching them bake and form all the dough. Have you been?

I want to go to NYC to see it so much. I’ve never been anywhere on the East Coast, but if I went to see anywhere I think I’d choose NYC first. I can’t believe you were able to make such an inclusive list that wasn’t longer. I think I would add Greenwich Village to the list because I’ve always been curious what it is like. But other than that, I would want to see a lot of these things, and I feel like there would be no way to do it in under a week! I wish NYC was less expensive though- that is always the factor that keeps me from visiting.
What is your favorite non-tourist spot to spend time in?

WOW……What a great job you just got!!! Just visiting somewhere,aboard around the world and enjoy your live,NYC is absolutely an excellent city.In my opinion,it’s the greatest city in the world(not one of)…..But,you know what,I love Brooklyn most.It maybe a little wired,but I got my reasons,of course.I think Brooklyn is special.

Great job. For someone who lived on the upper west side for three years I can attest to your choices for the “best of” Lovec the pics , they brought Back memories. if only I were 21 and it was the late 60’s I could be catching a show at the limelight or hanging out in Washington square listening to the street music. It is a magical place to live or visit,
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